2026 Community Finance Initiative – Feb 18

Posted by on February 10, 2026

Citi Foundation opens $35 million Community Finance Initiative

The Citi Foundation has announced its commitment of $35 million to the 2026 Community Finance Initiative in support of programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength, and safety of low-income households in the United States.

According to a recent study, only 30 percent of Americans are financially healthy today. The Citi Foundation believes that community finance innovators, including community development financial institutions, play an important role across the country by providing individuals and families with responsible and affordable financial products, as well as tools and services that catalyze greater financial inclusion and financial health.

Through this iteration of the initiative, 70 nonprofits will each receive $500,000 to advance the financial resilience of U.S. households.

The 2026 Community Finance Initiative grants will focus on three specific areas:

Stabilize: Supporting low-income households in regaining everyday balance during moments of financial stress, including through financial coaching, support navigating public assistance programs and debt counseling.

Strengthen: Helping low-income households build credit and short- and long-term financial assets, through efforts such as emergency-fund programs, credit repair and first-time homebuyer education.

Safeguard: Protecting low-income households from financial harm and future setbacks through programs focused on fraud and scam awareness and prevention, identity protection and recovery, and safe use of digital financial tools.

Learn more and apply.

Deadline: February 18, 2026 (12:00 noon ET)